Electrical panel should have descriptive labels next to all circuit breakers. Next we want to determine the service wire type: copper or aluminum.
Learn more about our Electric Panel Inspection in this video: Electrical Panel Inspection
Endgame Home Inspection Services LLCThere are many things that need to be done to properly prepare your home for the coming fall and winter.
Here are just a few of the more important items to get done at the end of summer:
Clean your gutters and downspouts. This is essential as you do not want rain water/melting snow to back up under your roof shingles or fascia and causing expensive damage.
Clean and if necessary stain your deck. Do any home maintenance that may be needed to keep it in tip top shape.
Inspect your roof and siding for any damage that should be repaired. No you don’t need to scramble up on your roof and risk life and limb. You can pick up a cheap pair of binoculars and scope out the roof from the safety of the ground. If you see any potential issues, call a professional to repair them.
Check the weather striping around the exterior doors. Good weather striping will help keep the cold outside, where it belongs.
Seal your driveway. If it has been a few years, this should definitely be on your list.
Change the filter in your furnace if it hasn’t been changed in more than 3 months. Also clean the return are grates to minimize dust going into the filter.
Check windows for any drafts and caulk if needed.
Have your fireplace inspected by a professional chimney sweep. If you haven’t done this for a few years or just moved in, this is a top priority for your safety.
Reverse the overhead fans in the house to rotate clockwise so it will pull cool air upward.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure functionality.
This list could go on and on, but these are some of the more important items.
If you are not up to the task or just want a more in depth inspection of your homes wellness, you can hire a home inspector such as Endgame Home Inspection Services to do the dirty work for you.
This Syracuse, NY home inspection company can do a full roof to foundation inspection that will inform you of all issues found so that you can determine a priority list to get things fixed and running optimally.
While summer is the time to enjoy basking in the sun, there are still chores that need to be done. A home maintenance checklist is essential for your home’s upkeep. Simple tasks such as checking the exteriors, appliances, heating and cooling system, plumbing, and electrical will help you address issues sooner and keep your home at its very best. If any jobs go beyond your capacity or involve repairs, make sure to call for professional help.
Here are six summer to-dos that you can add to your home maintenance checklist to get the most of this season.
Pool. If you have one, do your best to keep it clean. Check the surface frequently and keep debris or leaves out of the water. Scrub once or twice a month to control the growth of algae. Keep an eye on the water level and regularly check the filter basket and chemical levels weekly.
Garden. Manage the weeds weekly. Your mower should be your best friend during the summer. Please set it to the highest setting, so it does not cut the grass too short. Water the plants, remove dead leaves, flowers, and others. These steps will not only keep your garden tidy but keep your plants healthy as well.
Sprinkler System. Your plants will need an extra shower during the hot summer. Check the operation of your sprinkler system or hire a landscaper if required.
- Turn the sprinklers on, one at a time.
- Walk around and see that sprinkler heads are upright.
- Look for clogs. Clean out the valves. Leaky pipes may need replacement.
- Check to see if the spray is wide enough and not blocked by foliage.
- Check the timer. If you turn it on, you should see the gears moving through the small window. Otherwise, check the breaker where the timer is connected and turn it off and back on again.
- If you notice leaks from one or multiple zones at once, reduced water pressure, pooling water, or pump buzzing, these are usually signs of cracked underground pipes. It also means that it’s time to call a plumber.
Exterior. Summer is the best time to repaint the siding, trim, doors, and windows, repair decks or porches, and get these outside areas ready for the day to evening enjoyment.
Air-Conditioning. Clean your air-conditioning filters regularly. At least once a month at the least, especially if you run the A/C a lot.
Pest control. You love your home. But, termites, ants, mice, and other pests like it too. Some infestation may be easy to resolve with a spray and thorough cleaning. However, different types of infestation, such as termites, demand professional action. At Endgame Home Inspections, we offer Thermal imaging Inspection, which is extremely helpful in detecting wood-destroying insect activity. It would be best if you also were diligent in taking steps to reduce the risk of infestation. Look around and seal holes where mice and cockroaches may get in.
Maintaining your home is much easier than paying for significant repairs. With a home maintenance checklist, you will be able to keep your home in tip-top shape, maintain its value, and ensure you and your family’s safety. This list is not extensive, but performing simple maintenance tasks on your home can prevent expensive problems down the road.
Whether your hot water tank is gas or electric, you can extend the life of the tank beyond the manufacturers normal life expectancy. This is simply done by replacing the sacrificial anode rod. There are several videos available on youtube that explain how to do this safely. The rod itself will generally cost between $20-50. […]